Page:The Excursion, Wordsworth, 1814.djvu/233

207 Of simple manners, feelings unsuppressed

And undisguised, and strong and serious thought;

A character reflected in himself,

With such embellishment as well beseems

His rank and sacred function. This deep vale

Is lengthened out by many a winding reach,

Not visible to us; and one of these

A turretted manorial Hall adorns;

In which the good Man's Ancestors have dwelt

From age to age, the Patrons of this Cure.

To them, and to his decorating hand,

The Vicar's Dwelling, and the whole Domain,

Owes that presiding aspect which might well

Attract your notice; statelier than could else

Have been bestowed, in course of common chance,

On an unwealthy mountain Benefice."

This said, oft halting we pursued our way;

Nor reached the Village Church-yard till the sun,

Travelling at steadier pace than ours, had risen

Above the summits of the highest hills,

And round our path darted oppressive beams.